"MY! This land is Beautiful!!!, " said my "Baby Boomer" clients as we looked at the land. (see photo)

I am excited about theprospects for Asheville real estate clients, a retired airline pilot and his wife who refer to themselves as quintessential Baby Boomers, and their relocation to beautiful Western North Carolina— getting settled in a new home here in Asheville.

But they have some special requests for this beautiful Asheville land

They are serious about downsizing from their current 5,000 square foot equestrian estate to a home of less than 3,000 square feet— they really want a sunny gardening area, a green-friendly, energy efficient home— and they want to stay living in this home until they are in their 100s.

OH! And they need to have enough room to pasture their horses- two Tennessee Walkers.

That’s a Tall Order for the Land and this Baby Boomers’ “Top-Rated” Asheville Gem

1. less than 3,000 square feet
2. eco-friendly and energy efficient features
3. enough space for two horses
4. solar gain
5. universal design elements, No-Step, handicap access

But, Wait a minute! I, just happen to know a special gem that checks out for all their Must Haves— and it is a just 20 minutes from downtown Asheville!

Drovers Road Preserve-
Today’s Tribute to Days Gone By

Asheville Real Estate Journal

Drovers Road Preserve is an Asheville area conservation-oriented development with historical roots. Aptly named for its still visible trail, Drovers Road celebrates days gone by.

When you visit Drovers Road, look for the trail just inside the entrance to the 186-acre eco-sensitive development. (see photo) You will find a perfectly preserved road that once connected drovers to and from the markets of Asheville’s city center.

The historic wagon road is honored with plaques; it’s a story being told as you enter the preserve. And you may also notice that while there is a new, and carefully planned, paved road right beside it, the worn path now serves to connect the development’s residents to a piece of local history. That historical connection continues as you explore Drovers Road Preserve. It can be found everywhere from streets named after historical and local figures to informational plaques that tell the story of the land.

Insights: Most homes surprise you as you walk this land—they may be large or small, but they fit into the place and contribute to its beauty. (None are currently for sale.) There are 8 building sites for sale at Drovers Road Preserve. They range in size from 1.5+ to 10 Acres, and in price from $215K to $695K.

Property Details: Drovers Road Preserve

All About HORSEY THINGS Asheville Area

If you love horses and horse country, you will love the “Horsey-Lovers” Fairview Area of Asheville, North Carolina. Here are homes on the Land and neighbors interested in equestrian pursuits.

Within easy-driving distance of Fairview you also can find equine supply places and WNC Equine Services

For the horse and horse-lover on your gift list here are “horsey accessories” -- a list I’ve alphabetized …

APPAREL - ENGLISH/WESTERN
BLACKSMITH/FARRIERS
BREEDING
DRIVING HORSES/LESSONS
EQUINE ACUPUNCTURE/ ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
EQUINE DENTISTRY
EQUESTRIAN ORGANIZATIONS
EQUESTRIAN SCHOLARSHIPS
EVENTING
FARM/ANIMAL SUPPLIES
FARM EQUIPMENT
FEED SUPPLIES/FEED MILL/SHAVINGS
GROOMING
HORSE BOARDING FACILITIES
HORSE FARM & EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY SALES (ask janeAnne)
HORSE SALES
HORSESITTING/HORSE CARE
HORSE TRAINING - DRESSAGE
HORSE TRAINING - HUNTER/JUMPER/EQUITATION
HORSE TRAINING - FIELD HUNTER/FOX HUNTER
HORSE TRAILERS
INSTRUCTION
JUMPS - CROSS COUNTRY/STADIUM
PASTURE MAINTENANCE
TACK

TACK/SADDLE REPAIR
TRAILER SALES
TRANSPORTATION HORSE HAULING LOCAL/LONG DISTANCE
VETERINARY CARE

Asheville Real Estate Journal Picnics and Day Trips Series- Southcliff (South face of Cedar Cliff Mountain)

Area/Community:: Southcliff Fairview, NC (Greater Asheville)

Minutes from Downtown Asheville Amenities and Mission Hospitals:: 18-20

Time of Departure:: 12:45 PM

Time of Arrival at Gate and Security Stop Point:: 1:03PM

Drive Time from Southcliff to Grocery/Drug Store :: 5 Minutes

Driving out 74A from Asheville, I was reminded why this road is known as the "Scenic Byway." On this bright late December day, the mountains bordering a Carolina Blue sky and touched at the very top rims with lacy frost were breathtaking. Long ago, farmers drove their livestock to Charleston, Columbia and Charlotte near what is today 74A - the Drovers Road. Southcliff overlooks that site. This development is said to be a private, gated-community, inspired by nature.

Elevations: from 2,675' to 3,950'feet. Lot sizes: .22 to 4 AC. Price range: 75- 400K (see photo)

Ten (10) neighborhoods from which to select. Attractive homes and townhomes in the "Mountain Style." 200 single residential units planned. 100 townhomes planned.

Pluses::400+ AC. Views of Mt Mitchell, Little and Big Pisgah, Hickory Nut Gap and Bearwallow Mountain.

Beautiful surroundings with a nod to nature. Six(6) miles of family-friendly trails crisscross streams with wood bridges. Five (5) park areas.

Children's playground. Open air pavilion. Convenience to shopping, schools and easy drive into downtown Asheville, our " electric city with rich heritage and tradition for all to discover." Minutes to the entrance off of 74A to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Family Camp features fire rings, tent platforms and picnic tables.

Listing STATS Active: Homes: 10 Lots: 6 (As I explored I noticed an announcement that the new phase is now open-possibly a number of lots are not yet shown on the MLS)

Closed: Homes: 42 Lots: 20 Foreclosures: 0

ECO Notes:: The decision to buy landslide-hazardous real estate should be well-considered. Landslide insurance is NOT obtainable and could have an adverse effect on resale /mortgage refinancing. When buying mountain real estate do your homework. Slope stability can only be determined by state licensed engineers and geologists: Buyers, Sellers and REALTORS® are not qualified to make these assessments. Complete site specific analyses are available and advisable. I am happy to refer you to our team of experts.

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(*)/'(*) ________Asheville NC Real Estate Journal. " On the Road HOME, CONTACT ME for
Residential Market Reports::: "Check Asheville "Monthly Special Gems" and Asheville home stats in the top retirement and green-friendly neighborhoods we cover in Asheville.- Asheville NC Residential Market Reports

NOTE:: A recent McGraw Hill study revealed that 81% of homebuyers would prefer to buy a eco-friendly home rather than a standard home, even in this current down economy. I have the following real estate green designations: NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant.

LAND:: If stewardship of large acreage is important to you, let's talk about mutually beneficial solutions. IF you are a Cash Buyer, some awesome properties are available at excellent price points. When buying mountain real estate do your homework. Slope stability can only be determined by state licensed engineers and geologists: Buyers, Sellers and REALTORS® are not qualified to make these assessments. Complete site specific analyses are available and advisable. I am happy to refer you to our team of experts

Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. Eco-Friendly Mountain Homes and Land Legacies- - Asheville NC Real Estate © 2010. _____________________________________________________________________________________